Private Bar Volunteer program
MWLS has a good working relationship with the private attorneys practicing in its service area. The program has a panel of approximately 250 private attorneys most willing to take at least one pro bono case each year. With their help, which otherwise would not be provided, MWLS can expand services to eligible clients. Many cases are referred to the private bar in the areas of adoption, bankruptcy, consumer, family law, housing, and wills.
The Private Bar Volunteer Program (PBVP) in conjunction with Voices Against Violence, coordinates the Volunteer Lawyers Program for the Marlborough Probate Court. This is another way where members of the private bar pitch in to help expand services to eligible clients. Each Thursday morning, a private attorney advises walk-in clients at the court with their legal problems. With their participation in both programs, each year private attorneys provide approximately 2000 hours of legal help in nearly 300 cases.
In return the PBVP makes legal training
available to its volunteers in family law and bankruptcy. Volunteers
are eligible to attend MCLE training seminars at a reduced cost.
In house training is also provided by the MWLS staff members or
local experts.
